1. The Weather Station Ignorance

This album grabbed my attention right away with its catchy, jazzy, even upbeat dance-able songs. On the surface, it feels lighthearted, but if you dig in, you’ll realize that she’s singing about some serious issues, with the climate crisis serving as the album’s main theme. Bandleader Tamara Lindeman has been compared to Joni Mitchell over the course of her career, and this album will only continue to further those comparisons.

2. Yola Stand For Myself

The English singer-songwriter makes a mark with her second record. Once again, producer Dan Auerbach creates a retro sound that fuses R&B and country, all heightened by her powerful voice.

3. The War On Drugs I Don’t Live Here Anymore

This album starts out nice and slow but steadily kicks into high gear. It’s easy to let yourself go and get lost in the flowing melodies and effortless jams.

4. Kacey Musgraves Star-Crossed

On her divorce album, she takes you back to the beginning where the trouble began. The gorgeous opening title track sets the tone for a journey of love found and love lost, eventually finding light at the end of the tunnel.

5. Aimee Mann Queens Of The Summer Hotel

This collection of songs was originally intended for the stage adaptation of Girl, Interrupted. It certainly feels like it was made for the stage with its lush orchestrations and clever lyrical observations that are her forte.

6. Jazmine Sullivan Heaux Tales

Songs and interludes make up this album which features testimonies from a variety of women on the subjects of love, sexuality, feminism, and relationships. The songs are character studies of these musings told through her perspective and passionate vocals.

7. Adele 30

Adele chronicles the end of her marriage and uses her music as a means of catharsis. There are some really great songs on this album (“To Be Loved” is a powerhouse!), but I can do without the talking.

8. Low HEY WHAT

HEY WHAT picks up where Double Negative left off...beautiful harmonies and haunting melodies backed by distorted sounds and noises.

9. Lil Nas X MONTERO

Proving he is not a one-hit-wonder, his official debut album made quite a splash. Wearing his heart on his sleeve, these songs deal with family issues, the trappings of fame, loneliness, and the pressures of being a Black gay artist in the music industry.

10. Billie Eilish Happier Than Ever

On the opening track “Getting Older”, the recently turned 20-year-old sings, “I’m getting older, I think I’m aging well”. I would have to agree.

11. Julien Baker Little Oblivions

Her last album was a collaboration with Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus who make up boygenius. This album has a fuller sound than her previous ones (she plays guitar, bass, keyboards, and drums) and displays an openness that allows her to express personal experiences like addiction, recovery, healing, and forgiveness.

12. Parquet Courts Sympathy For Life

The band didn’t want to make another rock record, so they incorporated some techno elements into their sound to make it more experimental. The result is garage rock for the dance floor.

13. Jon Batiste We Are

Combining soul, jazz, funk, and R&B, he takes you on a journey through his history and inspirations. It’s a celebration of music with a social conscience.

14. Liz Phair Soberish

Liz worked with Exile In Guyville producer Brad Wood on her first album in 11 years. Sadly, this album slipped under the radar, but then she has always been underestimated. Middle age tales filled with honesty and hooks.

15. Manchester Orchestra The Million Masks Of God

Their sixth album sounds like it could be a soundtrack to a movie with its urgency and dramatic crescendos. If Band of Horses and Silversun Pickups made an album it would sound like this.

16. serpentwithfeet DEACON
His sophomore album celebrates what it means to be Black, gay and in love with rolling, smooth vibes. Think Lil Nas X or The Weeknd without the drama.

17. Arlo Parks Collapsed In Sunbeams

The Mercury prize winner is one of four debut albums that made the list and she delivers an impressive debut. Soulful and chill.

18. Olivia Rodrigo SOUR

18-years-old and wise beyond her years. Another excellent debut filled with depth and sincerity.

19. Celeste Not Your Muse

The American-British singer-songwriter’s dynamic vocal styling has garnered comparisons to Amy Winehouse, Billie Holiday, and Adele, and rightfully so.

20. Dusted III

The Canadian indie rock band made a beautiful album that is subtle and quiet, but still memorable.

Honorable Mentions

Japanese Breakfast Jubilee

Lord Huron Long Lost

Lorde Solar Power

St. Vincent Daddy’s Home

Valerie June The Moon And Stars: Prescriptions For Dreamers

Overlooked Album of 2020

Pearl Jam Gigaton

Top 10 Live Shows of 2021

1. Pearl Jam / 10-1-21 / Ohana Music Festival - Dana Point, CA